Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
  • A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
  • A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
  • A63F13/24—Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
  • A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
  • A63F13/21—Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types
  • A63F13/211—Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers or gyroscopes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
  • A63F13/25—Output arrangements for video game devices
  • A63F13/28—Output arrangements for video game devices responding to control signals received from the game device for affecting ambient conditions, e.g. for vibrating players' seats, activating scent dispensers or affecting temperature or light
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
  • A63F13/25—Output arrangements for video game devices
  • A63F13/28—Output arrangements for video game devices responding to control signals received from the game device for affecting ambient conditions, e.g. for vibrating players' seats, activating scent dispensers or affecting temperature or light
  • A63F13/285—Generating tactile feedback signals via the game input device, e.g. force feedback
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
  • A63F2300/10—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
  • A63F2300/1037—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals being specially adapted for converting control signals received from the game device into a haptic signal, e.g. using force feedback
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
  • A63F2300/10—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
  • A63F2300/1062—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals being specially adapted to a type of game, e.g. steering wheel
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
  • A63F2300/20—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterised by details of the game platform
  • A63F2300/204—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterised by details of the game platform the platform being a handheld device
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
  • A63F2300/20—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterised by details of the game platform
  • A63F2300/205—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterised by details of the game platform for detecting the geographical location of the game platform

Definitions

• the invention relates to a location based gaming device.
• Location devices have currently become a standard feature for many applications. As is well known, such devices are configured to calculate an earth coordinate position based on reception of wireless signals from sources with predetermined positions, in particular, signals received from geo stationary satellites (global positioning systems). A trend has become visible to use these devices in games. For instance, it is known to devise tracking routes and give the players hints on directions, using a location device. Also it is known to change playing modalities of such location devices based on a specific location.
• US2008/0014835 discloses an interactive 'wand' including an RF transmitter. It may be use to activate light effects.
• US2004/0095759 discloses a flashlight including GPS functionality. A problem is that present location based games are difficult to play for the younger aged.
• the invention aims to provide a location based gaming device providing intuitive direction indications, which may be interpretable more easily, in particular for players of younger ages.
• the invention regards a gaming device that is adaptable for a variety of different game concepts.
• a location based gaming device comprising a body and a location control unit arranged in the body.
• the location control unit outputs location data.
• a light unit is provided and a controller is adapted to control said light unit, the controller comprising a memory to store track data.
• the controller is arranged to change a light characteristic between an on track and an off track mode depending on a proximity function between the track data and the compass directional data and/or location data.
• the body is an elongated proximally handheld body wherein a light unit is arranged at a distal side of the body, the body further comprising an electronic compass unit, arranged to output compass directional data; and wherein the controller further controls the light unit as a function of stored track directional data.
• patent document WO 2004/087271 discloses a magical wand playing device allowing play participants to electronically interact with their surrounding play environment. Participants could experience an illusion of practicing, performing and mastering magic.
• the playing device comprises tilt sensors to detect movement of the device and short range communication RF to interact with the player and items in the play environment. Through the RF communication the items in the play environment can receive signals from the wand.
• the items in the play environment of the magical wand play device disclosed in WO 2004/087271 can react to the magical wand commands by e.g. turn on a light of change a lighting effect.
• the play device disclosed in WO 2004/087271 is not arranged to process location data and / or to provide direction indications.
• US patent application US 2002/0058459 Al discloses a toy wand comprising a light, which light is to change based on the measurement of motions of the wand operator whereby a specific set of motions causes a pre- specified light changes.
• the toy wand disclosed in US 2002/0058459 Al is not arranged to process location data and / or to provide direction indications.
• US patent application US 2002/0063655 Al discloses a GPS receiver adapted to have a game function, allowing the user to play games based on a combination of GPS satellite locations and the user's location. To achieve the game's objectives the user has to change his position. During play, the GPS receiver does not indicate to the user in an intuitive manner in which direction he has to change his position as it is part of the game that the user works out his approach himself.
• Figure 1 shows an embodiment according to the invention
• Figure 2 shows a further embodiment according to the invention
• Figure 3 shows a system diagram of the embodiment of Figure 2.
• FIG. 1 a schematic drawing is shown of a location based gaming device.
• the gaming device 10 is shown to comprise a location control unit 1, arranged to output location data.
• a location control unit 1 may be provided by a global positioning system unit, known in the art, which receives location information from geostationary signals 2.
• the location control unit is communicatively connected to a controller 3 and a light unit 4.
• the light unit 4 comprises light sources 5, which may display a light characteristic, controlled by controller 3, such as light color, intensity and light pattern.
• controller 3 such as light color, intensity and light pattern.
• a change of a light characteristic controller 3 is adapted to provide, for each light source 5, a color transition.
• a color transition will be defined as a change in color states of the light source.
• a color state may be defined by a specific CIE XYZ coordinate, or coordinated in any derived color space, e.g. an RGB combination including white and amber (LED) light sources. This defines the perceived coloring of the light, in addition to a controlled intensity of the respective RGB sources 5 arranged in the light unit 4. Otherwise, the light source 5 may vary the radiated wavelength, to generate a specific color in the visible light spectrum. Using high colored brightness LEDs, including white light, color states of substantially the entire visible color spectrum can be generated within a single visual segment 6 by light sources 5.
• a memory 7 is coupled to the controller 3 to store track data, which may be prestored or received via a data port 8 (WIFI, infrared, USB, GPRS, UMTS or other digital connection).
• a data port 8 WIFI, infrared, USB, GPRS, UMTS or other digital connection.
• other data such as game data or audio data may be stored, to be accessed by the controller 3.
• the controller may further comprise user interface, such as a controller switch, a knob etc. to, further comprising a controller switch and/or a controller data port to select a number of controller game modes.
• the gaming device functions as follows:
• the location control unit 1 outputs location data to the controller 3.
• the controller 3 calculates a proximity function indicating whether the location data match with the track data prestored in the memory 7. For instance, if a user is within a predetermined range of a certain track, this may be regarded as 'on track', whereas, if the user is more than a predetermined distance, for instance several tens of meters, away from the track, this may be regarded as 'off track'.
• the memory may prestore a sequence of locations, which may together form a track, and a sequence of directions, which may indicate a preference direction to move between the locations, and the controller 3 may be arranged to calculate a proximity function, and further change a light characteristic, such as a light color, a light intensity or light pattern, to signal an outcome of the proximity calculation.
• a light characteristic such as a light color, a light intensity or light pattern
• the controller 3 is arranged to provide full lighting intensity when the device is on route and decreasing intensity when leaving route;
• the controller 3 is arranged to change color depending on directions, e.g., green color when right direction, red color when wrong;
• the controller 3 is arranged to indicate a distance from the goal: e.g., blinking slowly when far from end goal, and faster when close;
• the controller 3 is arranged to indicate a proximity of target places: e.g., fast change of colors when close to special place; or
• the color is arranged to indicate a gaming response: e.g., flash certain color when 'picking up' certain object.
• a computing device 11 may be arranged, preferably communicating via signals 12, for example, via GSM, UMTS, GPRS or the like.
• the computing device may function as a central game controller, typically communicating with several of gaming devices 10, and arranged to compute at least a location of the gaming device, for example to project it on a digital map.
• the illustrated embodiment shows a one-way communication between computing device 11
• the communication unit is a two way communication unit. It is possible to arrange the computing device to instruct the controller of the gaming device. This functionality may be used to further enhance the gaming possibilities, for example, to give an alert that torches are in the vicinity of each other, or that a certain person has performed a predetermined action with one of the gaming devices.
• the computing device may be a central unit but may also be arranged in (one of) the gaming devices for example, functioning in a master slave relation. In the latter case any gaming device may be arranged to function as a master computing device and/or slave computing device. However, a computing device may also be formed as a functional unit that is distributed over a plurality of gaming devices.
• the form of the torch 20 is formed as an elongate hand held body 21 in the form of a cylinder or inverted cone-shaped having a hand grip on a proximal side and having on the distal side a plurality of visually distinct lighting segments 6.
• the segments 6 may be formed optically, by focusing optics confining light of a source to a visually distinct segments. It is possible to provide any number of segments 6.
• the segments 6 are positioned around a central body axis.
• a cluster of LEDs may be installed with different colors.
• other light sources such as an incandescent light source may also be used or any other multiprimary light source, or color temperature adjustable light source.
• monochrome LEDs can provide a light response.
• the system functionality of the Figure 2 is further exemplified in Figure 3.
• the system elements of Figure 1 are indicated but not repeated.
• the device 20 may further comprise a gesture recognition module 26 for detecting predefined gestures; the controller 3 is further arranged to control the light characteristic as a function of a detected gesture.
• the gaming device 20 comprises an electronic compass unit 25, arranged to output compass directional data to controller 3.
• the handheld elongated body facilitates pointing the compass in a direction, to further identify whether a user is heading on a right track.
• a plurality of compass units may be arranged at an angle respective to each other, and wherein the controller 3 is arranged to select a compass unit that is oriented in a functional working condition. For instance, by pointing the device 20 in different directions, the controller 3 may be arranged to control the light unit response as a function of stored track directional data.
• a specific 'on track' color such as green may be shown; and when the direction is wrong, the 'off track' color, such as red may be signaled.
• the light unit response depending on the electronic compass indication may be activated in response to the gesture module 26, in particular, when the gesture module senses that the torch is tilted. This prevents in adverted signaling due to rotations or movements of the torch 20 when used.
• the gesture module 26 may comprise a tilt sensor and/or acceleration sensor (not shown).
• the invention is not limited to only light as output, but covers sound (sounds capes), smell, vibration and tactile output as additional game modalities as well.
• the torch 20 may comprise an acoustic unit (preferably including a loudspeaker 22) and/or a vibrational unit 23 activatable in response to the controller 3.
• the torch 20 may further include batteries and a game port 8 to load track data; game software etc.
• Touching of an interactive 'poster' to select a game or new assignment This can also be triggered by entering a GPS location or pointing in a certain direction using the digital compass.
• the invention also covers a combination of these game features. More in particular, it may be understood that the invention also covers embodiments, without express indication to the contrary, of combined features as described here above.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Multimedia (AREA)
• Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
• Toys (AREA)
• Position Input By Displaying (AREA)
• Pinball Game Machines (AREA)
• User Interface Of Digital Computer (AREA)
• Circuit Arrangement For Electric Light Sources In General (AREA)

Priority Applications (5)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=40852175

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (9)

Cited By (1)

Families Citing this family (3)

Citations (5)

Family Cites Families (9)

• 2008
  • 2008-12-18 EP EP08172184A patent/EP2198939A1/en not_active Withdrawn
• 2009
  • 2009-12-11 BR BRPI0917776-0A patent/BRPI0917776B1/pt not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2009-12-11 WO PCT/IB2009/055682 patent/WO2010070559A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2009-12-11 EP EP09793612.4A patent/EP2379188B1/en active Active
  • 2009-12-11 JP JP2011541677A patent/JP5647139B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2009-12-11 CN CN200980151030.XA patent/CN102256676B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2009-12-11 KR KR1020117016356A patent/KR101614002B1/ko active IP Right Grant
  • 2009-12-11 US US13/133,986 patent/US8400399B2/en active Active
  • 2009-12-11 TR TR2018/09806T patent/TR201809806T4/tr unknown
  • 2009-12-16 TW TW098143165A patent/TW201036681A/zh unknown

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